when so many questions arise
and answers are hard to find
come these two words
few and yet, sufficient, satisfying.

so often wondered
why it was called
the wisdom of the children
for how could the so young
acquire such insight.

you've reasoned hard
pondering the puzzles, riddles
that demand answers
but none arrive.
one remembers those
two words, wise and simple
from the wise and the simple:

"J u s t  B e c a u s e..."


Sally

Copyright 2013
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

~~~~~~~

Looking out the window, taking in the beauty of dusk,
Please...remind me not, of this ever tedious, cumbersome task
Sapping the energy within me, all bottled in a flask...
Free my soul, untangle my heart from this emotional mask,
Like a fresh coconut fruit, violently parted from its husk.
Free me from these endless questions I have to ask,
Release me from daily bouts of this game of masque.
Weariness now sets in, I hide behind a wine cask...
From the coolness of the stretching dark, I would bask,
Til tomorrow comes and finds me, here again at dusk...

~~~~~~~~

Sally

Copyright 2014
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

autumn is now making us feel its presence
i am aware, time is of the essence
my moments with you are threatened
my moments with you hasten to end

treetops are dotted with yellow, red, green
dropping leaves of brown, orange and gold
to cover the grounds, now made softer
With those fallen leaves of autumn
winds would later hastily blow cold
Warmth now gone, content no longer there....
for,
in your sweet thoughts
i fear I might  be lost....
in your heart, the flames may die.
no longer there, your burning desires.

------------the days to come--------------
-------i will be amongst people, but------
---in that part of my mind, each moment---
-----i would spend in solitude, with you
------------but, this much i know-------------
-------you and me are just a dream------
-------you and me, we are worlds apart------
----------i don't have much choice------------
------------i would be there, BUT-------------
----------you would be nowhere near--------
---------we are blown different ways, like-------
-            ---------fallen leaves of autumn---------          

(...thoughts of us in autumn are getting into me.....)


           Sally
           Copyright 2013
          Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
              
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::­::

This was unprecedented:
After so many years,
The three of us,
Spending time with each other,
The second time, actually,
But the first time in reality...
Doing things together
Whatever the weather
Amidst the flu epidemic
Only in our house endemic...

Diving through albums uncovered
Old cards and photographs, discovered
Events recalled with each page
Of those still alive but have aged
Even those in this world now gone
No more tears now, just pure fun...

Amazing!
My sisters and I,
All in our senior years.
The times have been kind to us,
The gravity of our burdens
Never capitalized on our appearances.
In all modesty,
In all honesty,
in the eyes of many,
And in my own eyes...
We have become lovelier,
In our own ways...
Wealthy in experiences,
With each line and wrinkle
Bearing witness to the wisdom
We carry
In our minds and in our hearts,
Adding more precious gemstones
To each of our invisible jeweled crowns.

Still very much honed, our senses...
Still clear, our memories,
Olden times in our lives,
Oftentimes, recounted...
Clear as glass,
Every detail,
Every date,
Specified,
Verified,
All true.

We faced, dealt with
The acid tests of life, we
Emerged triumphant.
There weren't dull moments,
For we learned to smile,
Come what may...

In and out we dined,
Laughed, and wined,
Sang our songs,
Told our stories,
Tried on our old outfits,
Gigglings of our youth
All relived,
All resurrected.
The three of us,
Up to having more wrinkles soon,
Laughing at the most trivial things.
The "Tres Hermanas,"
As we were fondly called,
Then, even now,
My two sisters,
Oblivious of their nearing departure,
For we were having unequaled fun,
From sunrise to sunset,
Even beyond bedtime hours,
Here, in our family house,
After a long, long time.


Sally

Copyright 2014
Rosalia Rosario A, Bayan

Y
O
U
smile  as
the   r a i n s
p r e v a i l, over
the rays of the sun.

T
H
E
o n c e
blue skies,
now paled by
g r a y  clouds
w a r n   us  of  an
impending  g l o o m.

A
N
D
y e t, my
heart leaps,
At the sound
of  r a i n  falling,

F
O
R
I would
soon find you
n e x t to me, the
moment it starts to pour.

T
H
E
f e e l
of rain on
my s k i n, is
that of solace
and. w a r m t h...

I
forget
all about
time and my
worries.......It is
a  pat on my  back,
                      
O
N
E
touch so
reassuring,
as  if, it  were
your   h a n d s
caressing  my  face.

(Published 1997)


Sally

Copyright 2014
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

(Never too late)


I AM GRATEFUL---
for having my family
they are safe and healthy
we have roof over our heads and
clothes to keep us warm
there is always food on our table...

I AM GRATEFUL, THAT ---
on each new day,  i am able to
get up, alone...without much effort
can wash my face, brush my teeth,
clean my bathroom regularly
take a shower on my own
cook what i want to eat,
eat alone...
change the curtains in my bedroom
change my bedsheets without help,
as often as i want to...

I AM GRATEFUL, THAT I ---
still celebrated another birthday
was able to say THANK YOU!
with family and friends on Thanksgiving day
made scary decors for Halloween
decked our house with a tree and lanterns before December
hang stars, angels in corners and in between 
am strong enough to put them all away when Christmas is over...


I AM GRATEFUL I AM STILL ABLE TO WITNESS
how a night of fireworks and celebrations
easily segues into a day of new beginnings...


I AM GRATEFUL THAT I CAN ---
write, share my thoughts, my moments,
look back to the past with a smile,
find contentment where i am now,
still look forward to my future,
wake up to each new day
and another.......and 
another.....and
another...
and
A N O T H E R .


Thanksgiving must come with every breath
For we are showered with Blessings without end...


Sally

Copyright 2014
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

    
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(The first one, Marian...hope you like it.)

The Lady sat on the ledge of the fence
elevated,
higher than the rest
unreachable...
from left to right
She glanced,
observing, waiting...
action was about to begin:
the chosen two sashayed in,
from both sides of Her majesty...
if only looks could ****
they would have glared at each other
to death
they teased,
then swaggered,
emitting sounds of arrogance,
soft, becoming loud
to scare, to ensnare...
The Lady sat, still waiting,
until a winner is proclaimed...
the teasing and the noise
was taking too long, she thought...
She, who was above the rest
yawned, and was quickly
deciding...
slowly, she stood,
stretching legs, curling at the end
then left the ledge
while the two protagonists
stopped short of wounding themselves...
they looked at each other
angrily,
frustrated...
it had been an empty, useless fight
the two noisily meowed, purred
short of sparring
enthusiasm wasn't there anymore..
they went to their own sides of the street
Her majesty, gone to another place
entertaining two new protagonists
disgusted with the first two...

choosing her mate was far from over.

Sally

Copyright 2014
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

0
~
~~~
~~~~~

You're inside...alone in your hiding place
yet, the limited sphere of your space
grumbles with voices...repeating words and
scenes...from failed, denied expectations

be still now.....remember
not to ponder long on hurtful moments
cry, if you must,
but, when sun sets and moon is up
let twilight's soothing silence
ease your overworked heart and mind
dwell not on sad departures...take a deep sigh,
there's hope......look up to the sky

be still.............surrender
to a silent Presence...that
makes the wind move creation
listen to the music of nature
its peaceful murmurs
hear the wind hum its many songs
hissing..swishing, whistling
listen to the trees,
hear the leaves softly rustle,
the water....running....flowing from
a waterfall.......down to the river
take time...hear a hawk or an eagle cry
see them soar and descend with grace,
while a wine-red dragonfly, and a
purple-yellow butterfly....flutter
atop pink Vanda blooms...
search with your eyes, ears, mind, and heart
be captivated!  explore!
nature, always leaves us in awe...

be still,
let sand escape from your palms
release cold, indifferent hands
let go of anyone all set to leave...or
anything that always seems awry...
open your doors, let fresh air bring in
new chances...new challenges, and
new beginnings...let them all in!
remember to build new dreams
welcome new friends, new faces
remember to smile!

soon...the hurting will wane

remember the cycle:
sunrise, sunset...live, die...weep, laugh
remember the Words:
"there is a right time for everything."
~~~~~
...have faith....be still...
~~~~~
~~~
~


Sally

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
June 6, 2018

I am a foreign body, floating on the moon's surface,
suit-protected.....winds are blowing without cease.
high and low i go, over its dark craters
strange, not seeing fog or mist in the atmosphere.

the cold quiet leaves me in awe
soundless, as the moon that glows
'pon which i raise my eyes to,  from below
i sense a mix of joy and fear....i don't know

this boundless heaven has me conquered
the moon, and its silence......so open-ended
...if it's possible....i have often wondered
who knows, somebody must've dared, or tried,
i believe those wise words most often uttered:
...no man is an island...

from the moon's surface, i could picture
bright events to come in a few days...i'm sure
fires of red, blue and green would soon be bursting
to light the world...when the new year comes marching

there's this longing...to go home, to my earth  
where God meant me to be, the planet of my birth
to celebrate life...the present, the future, even the past
....to show, to speak my  gratitude......no matter what...

Sally
© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
December 29, 2018

(a work of fiction)

fill your sight, with bright, fragrant tannenbaums,
smile, and i'll try to clear the lines on your palms...
i'd speak to destiny, save you from fateful roads
allay your fears, as waves of changes affect today's world...
let me streak the Heavens with star-shaped lightnings
create festive skies, over dark, fiery spots persisting.
i would seek all you downtrodden, despondent ones
whoever, wherever you are...wave my hand more than once
to paint your dimming minds, with Christmas dust of gold,
green and red...i'd make you believe, miracles do unfold.
remember your dreams, let me lift your dying hopes,
what's best for you will come, when time is right.....just,

listen close, hear the softened clatter of my little hoof
soon, i'd be landing on your snow-covered roof
then slide down your chimney....
watch me
as i stand carefully....whisking soot
from my red suit...

your doubts and fears must perish
sad and mirthful moments, you must cherish,
weep no more, look up to the sky,
you are all children of Christmas, raise your eyes
regardless of age and color...beliefs, or faiths
some wishes are granted, some have to wait,
i got presents in my sack, other than your desires,
some pleasant tidings, to set your sagging spirit afire...
o, sad, broken and orphaned hearts, do not despair,
keep your faith alive, have patience...trust!
other days can be Christmas,
though it may not be December...........just,

listen close, hear the softened clatter of my boots
watch me, as i rise, whisking soot from my red suit
bearing gifts from the One up there...to last all seasons
just keep in mind....He's the Reason, for the Season...


Sally

Copyright December 16/16
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

(Life Episodes)

Going home this evening,
i noticed a full moon following me
it reminded me of that far-off door i see
at the corners of my eyes, and mind,
closes and opens, as the wind nudges me...
...easily, i see myself through that door,
returning to those busy days.....where,

even in the dark, work beckoned...
even when tired, or when slowed down
by pregnancy, there was work to be done
in every nook, every room of our humble house...
a tummy massage calmed the baby
stretching in its womb,
i, too, needed a break before i became numb...

the rooster never stopped crowing,
demanding attention, constantly reminding...

beaming faces came with rough
edges.....unannounced, but enough
to brighten a cloudy day...laughter was
a much needed respite, from weariness,

there.....was where hair started to gray...

sun, moon and stars held my fears at bay...
day or night...night or day,
even at midnight, i and they
spoke in silence...i was always awake
  
it is never easy...life is not fair,
yet, i'm thankful, i feel, my cup runneth over
i'm a bird, calmly soaring high
i'm a pilot, trusting in God his every flight

countless days and nights...of watching
sun, moon and stars, taught me
all things, good and bad...come to an ending,
all in due time.........never in a hurry...
  


Sally

Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
February 19, 2019

Grief
Is never brief.
It doesn't go away.

It claws on the heart,
When thinking of loved ones gone.
We are in a Deep we wouldn't want to rise from,
We recall, for we still want to be with the ones we lost,
Even by grieving.
We may or may never grasp the reason
Why it happened.
It is hard to cope,
Mental, emotional and
Psychological pains are all present.
They are  blades of grass
On blazing hot
Summer days, when
They are too dry, overgrown.
We bleed, when they cut us
With their sharpened edges.

Grief is day and night.
When shining bright, slashing, piercing the chest,
Some moments,
it is calm as the night,
It does not hurt so
bad,
We get by like normal days,
Like the newly mowed grass,
When
they are just sprouting from the ground
They  brush our skin, touch our feet,
Almost unnoticed,
With very little  effect....

They say that time can heal sorrow,
Maybe so, but definitely, not by tomorrow...
Grief settles down momentarily,
But it rarely disappears completely...


Sally


Below is the original, my very personal version of GRIEF, my own experiences lie therein, but then, too much use of I and ME is sometimes, annoying,  I thought it best to use WE  in the version above...I would be lying if I said I did not like or prefer the original version, for it touches me more...


~~~~~~~~~~~

PERSONAL VERSION----SEPT. 4, 2014---9:03 AM

GRIEF

Grief
Is never brief.
It doesn't go away.

It claws on my heart,
When thinking of my loved ones gone.
I am in a Deep I wouldn't want to rise from,
I have realized,
I often recall, for I still
want to be with the ones I lost,
Even by grieving.
I may, or may never grasp the reason
Why it happened.
It is hard to cope,
Mental, emotional and
Psychological pains are all present.
They are  blades of grass
On blazing hot summer days, when
They are too dry, overgrown,
I bleed, when they cut me,
With their sharpened edges...

Grief is day and night...
When shining bright,
It slashes, pierces my chest.
But there are moments,
It is calm as the night,
It does not hurt me so bad,
Just like normal days, I get by, just sad.
Like the newly mowed grass,
When they are just sprouting from the ground
They  brush my skin, touch my feet,
Almost unnoticed,
With very little  effect.

They say that time can heal sorrow,
Maybe so, but definitely, not by tomorrow.
Grief settles down
momentarily,
But it rarely disappears completely.


Sally

Copyright 2014
Rosalia Rosario A, Bayan

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*
Her heartbeats are imperturbable,
ready to face any day
blue skies, or gray,
with, or,
without uncertainties.
*
no words said, just thoughts progress
in the silence of after midnight hours,
her eyes and mind go far, beyond the
dark horizon, she's a bird flying early
morning...soars over shadowed trees
and mountains...well before light,
she perches on the window sills of
her real world.

in the kitchen, she fries sausages and
potatoes...her mind travels with the
rising steam of coffee brewing,
tiptoe-ing on sad waters,
then basks in unforgettable moments past,
as voices from far away lands,
and even those
who are long gone
still echo
and dwell within her.

she faces life's adversities with true grit,
is toughened by pain, by loss...and by
grief, that sometimes...refuses to die.

her happiness springs from shallow waters.
she regrets not, about her goals foregone,
content, that, once in her life, she had her
dreams...and wished upon many stars.

eyes and heart often wander upon hills
and valleys, she fondly calls "home,"
sun-wrapped at day, shadowed at night,
it is where her soul.....freely roams.

she is wife, mother, grandmother, sister,
a friend, a caregiver, a voice...a pursuer of
truths...all she needs to be...for the sake
of her loved ones.....she is WOMAN.

*



sally b

©Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
   May 8, 2021

Feeling numb, even blind, i am deaf,
i don't want to move or react anymore...
i feel my soul depart from me,
it moves, light as a feather
skimming above deep waters...

my eyes have this fixed gaze
as i drown in a river of tears...
I have wept unceasingly,
day and night....

my feet....

they struggle, wading on sad waters,
the current is harder to deal with, this time...
The sand underneath, softer,
I am
almost sinking....

angels, good souls surround me
easing pain, watching,
pulling me up, so i may not go deeper...

i know,
i feel their love...
but the hurt,
it is all over me...

i am torn between
pain and duties...

i feel the
space
of being alone,

because...

i want to be alone,

to sink
lower

deeper.

~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~

b u t,

this sense of selflessness,
it prevails...
for their very sake....
i must be with them...hold their hands...
lead them through...

they, that surround me...
they are, what's left of me,
they are...the rest of me...


it is most transparent...
i could feel it... now...

there is joy...found in pain...



Sally

Copyright 2014
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

i've been wanting
     you've been avoiding,
        my intent,
      I
        M
       P
        O
       S
          S  
       I
       B
       L
       E
       .... tonight...



             Sally
            Copyright  2013
     Rosalia  Rosario A. Bayan

****


When the boulder was lifted,
Pandemonium started.
Everyone, in a flurry-
The usually slow flow
Of movements.
Now done in haste:
Moving out
Moving in
Resettling
Reorganizing
Moving shelter
Moving food supply
Everyone has to hurry
Confusion
shouts in every corner.
Still, peace is kept
In their lined activities
Though, getting hurt is inevitable.
How could there be so much
Hope and patience,
When soon enough,
Another boulder would be lifted?
Demolition is nearing,
Construction would soon be starting,
Desolation, all is expecting,
Still, they move on,
They live on.
****
****
We, could learn so much from
These industrious, persevering living beings.
They are brimming with wisdom,
These tiny,
Slow-moving, fellow creatures,
Called
Ants.


Sally

Copyright November 2013
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

one quiet, hot summer noon,
all were gathered in the dining area,
having lunch and a pleasant conversation,
while i got my small *****
and started mixing soil for re-potting.

it was clearly a stalking adventure.
a gray stray cat,
furry, but no longer spry,
its rounded back hunched,
slowly crawling, inching,
towards one hidden corner
of the bushy  backyard.

she glanced at me,
saw where she was headed,
i already spotted her prey.


the cat was wary of tripping,
careful not to waste any effort,
for her targeted prey
was just a stretch of a paw away...
almost there... she must be careful,
her intended victim must not know
of her presence,
for she needed that catch:
a small monitor lizard,
greenish, brownish,
sleek, slippery and slim...
unknowing still,
unaware of its impending doom,
for it, too, was busy,
staring... too focused...
it was ready to swallow its own prey,
a small but fleshy, squirming earthworm.


in a flash,
the cat saw me, our eyes met.
she lip-synched a "meow,"
telling me to hush,
not to intervene.
and so i carefully turned to my side
as if i didn't hear or see
as if i didn't care.
i bowed my head and
resumed re-potting my begonias.

just a short while passed,
when a soft purring was heard.
i turned to see the cat, still busy
licking, cleaning her paws.
she glanced, and again
lip-synched her meow,
maybe her way of thanking me.
and then my furry friend was gone,
...lost among the bushes...

i, too, got up...weary, and thirsty.
i've had enough of these stalking adventures,
enough begonias have been re-potted,
an existing food chain, i had just witnessed..
i need my lunch now,
with a tall glass of iced lemonade.


Sally

Copyright 2014
Rosalia Rosario A, Bayan

...Kites, Roses and Apple Pie...

In life, in deeds,
You have been, still are, courageous
In your words, in your creeds,
I say you are all so sweet,
Infectious,
You all are contagious!
Just a single line of your words
Would surely, quickly be re-quoted.
You are exemplary in
Whatever you say or do...

Enlightened are those with furrowed brows
Upon reading your works,
Commendations,
And acclamations
Bothered by ideas and words
So foreign and difficult...
Clarifications,
simple explanations
Readily are provided...
One need not ask...

Like well respected, learned leaders,
Actions, words are emulated.
You are sweet...
You are infectious...
You are contagious!

If you were colorful kites,
Soaring up the blue skies
You would have so many tails
Hanging, trailing behind you...
Here in our world
Your followers  are like ants
Trailing your footsteps...
Never straying, not at all waning,
But multiplying.....

In a bed of roses,
Bees, birds and butterflies
Would never stop fussing
Endlessly buzzing
From up above, and all around you...
Taking all their needs,
Not forgetting themselves to feed,
To recreate, from your seeds
these, they are bound to heed...

If you were a plate of fresh,
Yummy and crusty apple pie,
With a scoop of ice cream on top..
Oh me, oh, my....I am bound to starve...
Pardon me, but...
This would be my call, my turn...
Surely, I would be oblivious
The first one to be ravenous
To the point of being outrageous
Can't stop...can't wait...
This is my moment:
As long as I have a mug of hot brewed coffee
I shall take my time...
I won't feel choked,
Won't even be thirsty...
Voraciously, I would finish the whole plate off...
Til crust and crumbs fill me with too much stuff...


For the Triumvirate of Bala, Nat and Pradip...

in alphabetical order, no one comes first or last... for these three are
      all soaring high in their respective styles of poetry...

there are many others worth mentioning, a plethora of names and styles, in fact...
     the right words, the right moment would present itself to yours truly, one day...


Sally

Copyright 2014
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

:::::

This afternoon gets warmer by the hour,
weird, sweaty, sere ground.....no water,
not even a shy wind to blow a feather
an unwanted restrain....very much, a tether
senses seem numbed.....unaware,
:::::

suddenly,
clouds part....in a flick of a finger,
a bolt of lightning.....then, roars the thunder
sweet energy cracks in a simple quiver
:::::

tap ruptures........rain pours
releasing scent of sweet petrichor
withered soil and rain unite
nourishing roses...yellow, pink, white
soul is sparked....instantly inspired
::::::

suddenly,
eyes and mind are drunk, yet, they concur
bulging with ideas and images without blur
all are energized by the miraculous rainwater
:::::

suddenly,
behind the wet bushes, an open mic unfolds,
frogs' croaks alternate with lizards' call...behold,
up the trees, crickets, katydids sing relentlessly
ahhh, a kind wind....it's a bit colder...finally
:::::

where sun dips, and beyond...amidst a cold
dark, a slam poetry session is live, where the bold
one's hiss, shriek, or sing in monotones...no rules,
all do their thing at the same time.......like fools.
:::::

rain has stopped, folks are out, taking it easy
............mosquitoes are ever ready
this night.....could really be ****** :)
:::::


Sally

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
    October 6, 2018---

When inspirations burst forth,
Needing to be unleashed...
What now???

(parts of an old poem-edited)

:::::::::::::::
Was awake, 'til Black Saturday's tail end,
through Easter Sunday's dawn...a day potent
with rejoicing, renewing faith, and the essence
.of one's presence
while seeking quietness
amidst the busyness
of one's existence
how does one forgive....forget
the wrong, when it still affects, and upsets?
how does one love tirelessly, without regret?
:::::::::::::
these thoughts come to me
when writing prose, or poetry.
when turning to shelley....or rossetti
the hours turn to a sentimental journey.
while understanding their lines,
i also ponder on my life...my own lines.
a mug of steaming creamed coffee, clears
the old English cloud, shooing away my fears,
......if it's my day.......if i'm in  luck,
a few lines arise easily.....or, i could get stuck.
:::::::::::::::
when winds aren't in my sail, they stubbornly
steer my boat towards that river lull, so droopy.
i paddle away, painstakingly,
when river runs dry, or dryer... i just let it be.
as long as coffee steams on......brewing,
my mug, i keep refilling...leaves me thinking
of  Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "sonnet 43..."
facing a mirror, i'd ask: "how do i love thee?"
i'd say back: "lemme count the ways, dearie."
::::::::::::::::
i see me, reeling on the bar of life's daily
circus, counting the ways, loving, going off key...
rather than fall, i turn those moments into poetry
keeping silent for hours....climbing dark valleys,
rising the next morning, to start my litany,
i ask myself anew: " how do i love thee? "
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::



Sally


©Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
April 28, 2019

(a temple complex)

The ruins seemed indomitable than ever,
the concrete walls looked like they'll survive
no matter what...
the tree trunks are gaining more layers
getting taller...wider...older,
aging doesn't seem to bother them
their spirits live on, and rule
generation after generation...
i believe, even the moat that surrounds,
and safeguards the temples,
has its own spirit as well...

my hands touched the concrete walls at Ta Prohm
all felt strong, and unconquerable,
and i thought of my own human walls
i have fought, i still fight...they must not crumble...
i struggle...so my walls wouldn't fall
when a huge steaming net of uncertainty
melts my confidence, and a strong fever enfolds me,
and possesses me...

i saw those monks, unburdened, seemingly bold
walking lightly, sweating, while their soft orange clothes,
moved with the gentle breeze that blew from the moat
cooling whoever,  whatever was about to implode...
i thought, the blending of the heat and cold
could delay, or counter the breaking of any wall...

during that moment of scorching heat,
anybody could've given in...the wind was so cool
i almost jumped into the King's Pool
The vast moat surrounding the temples
kept beckoning...to anyone, to me, to play the fool...


Sally


Copyright January 29, 2017
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

I see the sky
in hues of blue,
so vast...
so unreachable...
I look at it on a clear day
and I travel along with my eyes....
I start chasing rainbows
hoping to find at the end,
my *** of gold......YOU!

Sally



Copyright 2013
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

(Vous et moi)



I am....light,
i flicker not,
nor do i dim.
i am peaceful
as the waves of a river
on a summer day,
silent...fearless,
unshaken by events.
i am in a total calm.

I exist permanently,
and independently,
unaffected and
un-influenced
by outside forces,
i keep a close watch,
over my temple.

I am transparent,
hue-less,
yet...i acquire
the colors of
thoughts that
enslave the mind.

I fade not...i live on.
i am there on a lighted boat
sailing with you
while  struggling
through life's
troubled waters.

You have a silent,
constant dialogue with me,
that inherent energy,
dwelling inside you.

You are body,
i am soul,
“nous sommes un.”
  (we are one.)
  

sally b

Copyright Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

I am an adult,
But a child is how I see myself.
Some may speak of my strength
My capabilities and tolerance.
They say, in any circumstance
I have perseverance
And endurance.
These are praises that are sugar and spice
When my days are not so nice,
And yet, there's a feeling, a knowing,
Without you, I am nothing
Your stretched hand, I would always be needing,

During not so good times, you said, it is okay to cry
Told me to stand up, through the hurting hours that would go by
For, I must learn of the bright and faded colors of life again and again
How it is to walk under the sun, or through the pouring rain
So, I will appreciate joy even more, after the pain.

The warmth of your embrace
Are my weapons when scary moments I have to face
Thinking...I could have been lost
Worrying...what would've been the cost?
Errors at this point in my life, I could no longer afford
I must listen, careful not to miss your words.
There's this questioning fear,
"What if I soon leave this world?" a thought so drear
Often whispered in my ear
Something I would rather not hear,
Yet, you see me through, with your advice,
Nothing could be truer...I don't have to think twice.
From the start, you have  loved me,
In fact, you have spoiled me
I feel, I believe, you'll never tire of me.

In your assurance, in
Your undying love,
I have become inebriated...
To you, I can not hide the truth
To you, I will admit without a doubt,
My GOD,
I am, and will forever be, YOUR child....



Sally

Copyright January 2015
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

Finally,
experiencing the serenity
i've always hoped for earnestly
feeling that rush of air against  face
where eyes could roam in a vast space
the feel of wind to brush against skin
And the sight of trees to breathe in...

But, my feet brought me  here...
why in front of these  rows of stores?
never thought of stopping
to do some impulse shopping...
do i pamper myself with new stuff?
there's no need for a new scent,
with what i have, i am very much content.

There is no smile, no comfort,
seeing these attractions...
there are no reactions......
but, eyes are now seeking...
been unconsciously looking
for something that is unexplainable,
in denial, the mind is, it says: inconceivable...

There, among the shelves...
the search would shortly end...

An image of my face appeared on a mirror
passed by, then suddenly sprung out,
a swish of a shaped light
beside my own face
a passing thought of an image...
it made me smile,
the fog fading, the face, clearing a bit...

When it is within me, this presence,
everywhere, there springs exuberance
it is felt...needing space
not just a shadow, not just a trace...
to bring home, to be with ...
to end this seeking
to end this longing...

Too cumbersome, this weight..
too much to take for one.
there, among those shelves,
nothing could satisfy,
nothing could fill this empty space...
for some reason,  i feel, i know......
i must live on...i must move on
without this face, this presence,
this unattainable existence,
and yet, i must try,
i must still be able to smile....


Sally

Copyright 2014
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

....to the solemnity of that place
felt just right...
a noise-prone, peopled space,
.....a corner i, we...go back to,
in the cold, or hot of
every morning

like every meeting,
we look above,
pay our respect,
warm up,
then, a time of peace, flows in, when
a calming moment starts...
breathe... like a baby,
inhale, at the start,
exhale, when finishing,
let go of the rush
let go~~~through movements~~~
in waves so slow~~~~~relax~~~
set free your worries, even for a while
think of peaceful~~~green mountains~~~
look through a nearby stream~~~soothing~~~
with tiny ripples whirling~~~
clear, like a mirror,
showing true reflections~~~while
a gentle breeze passes~~~and touches~~~
to unchain~~~to refresh~~~to dry
...to revive....

all purposes...will have been achieved
...........................before the hour ends...

then...comes the time to leave,
a time, for each one,
.......to face another day,
............another sunrise
             ........another sunset...


Sally

Copyright February 6, 2017
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

___________

....and nowhere near the sea................yet,
there is much around me, to pamper my soul...
i stand in the middle of the backyard
facing the old, mossy concrete fence...
a shady jackfruit tree greets me,
ninety degrees to my left, a tall breadfruit tree
towers over me...both, are with a fruit...or three...
further back, a young coconut tree grows taller,
bends towards the spiky pomelo branches
and completes the square of a hunting arena,
a mess hall for creatures...in the heat of day,
or in the cold of the night...
::::::::
Then, there are these small corners
on the left and right sides of the house
where sunrise peeks, and sunset dips,
smiling, in the morning, in shades of yellow,
tints of red, purple and blue on late afternoons...
a night sky eventually looms, and further enchants
when an ivory, or creamy moon rises,
in soft-toned glow,..waxing, or waning
......half, full, or crescent-shaped...
::::::::
i could fill this page with neighbors i co-exist with,
both human, and otherwise, brightly colored, furry,
or dark-skinned...could be friendly.....or unfriendly
they make me sad...giggle...sometimes, angry,
they amaze me...they all fill my days with wonder
each time I wander
within the corners and walls
that attest to my presence
safely propped,
by the steel beams.......of my existence...

::::::::

Sally


Copyright January 12, 2017
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

morning sun is brightly shining, but,
in the dark, is where i am,
protesting,
there is a war going on.
changes are seen, felt,
happening to me and around me.
they are unacceptable this very moment
i am bound by something that rebels in my innermost.
this questions my faith in myself,
my capabilities.
am i languishing?
deteriorating?
is this just a respite?
could i have been blinded?
is something being painted before my very eyes
that fails to penetrate this weary mind of mine?

why is it that, at the same time,

A passive countenance,
a vacuum...accosts me...
there's this sting,
a biting feeling,
it goes on pricking,
puncturing my chest,
because it has been
realized and accepted:
i haven't strayed that far from
I, Me, Myself,
so obvious, in this written piece...

no thoughts
except those of inadequacy...
dwell in my mind
they dry up my throat
as I leaf through trivial pages,
going through each phase of life,
where I find myself surrounded
by things I've taken for granted
people I've thought of as uncelebrated...
thoughts are shallow,
the mind is narrow...

compunction floats in the air
merges with the winds of sensitivity
that blows against my reeling body.
then I come across a well of words
that further stir my already troubled mind
thoughts that pierce my eyes, and
my heart to the core,
shattering my complacency
into pieces,
my numbed awareness,
is now more awakened...

this vessel doesn't offer much,
it is wanting, asking
for more compassion
it is just half-filled...
ineptitude is admitted
and acknowledged...
a cloak is thrown over my head,
a last-ditch effort,
to shroud my now enlightened mind...

but, these awakenings make me quiver...

i need another kind of mantle,
light and transparent,
to hide myself from shame
to shield my poor threadbare soul...


Sally

Copyright 2014
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

Blurred, steely moon came
'fore twelve midnight...strong wind blew
Between moon and me...

Chilly silence cloaked
A long sleepless night......as hushed
Night creatures connived

No dogs barked, or howled
No cats growled, or called their mates
Frogs didn't dare croak

Silhouettes swayed on
Big shadows cowered.........wind, sang
Its weird lullaby

Stilled moon stayed put.......as
Dark indigo firmament
P a t i e n t l y   watched................while

Earth moved...............tides, ebbed...flowed
Time passed..........moon ceded.........then came
............................Fiery Orb............at dawn.

      (3/1/16---12:46 AM)


Sally


Copyright April 5, 2016
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

We gathered, like we were in a huddle
Doing Yin and Yang movements in a circle...

A lighted candle was in the middle.
We closed our eyes, we were concentrating,
Slowly, internalizing...
Stillform Shibashi movements followed
While thanksgiving prayers were solemnly offered...

Out of nowhere, 
Two furry, roundish creatures leapt from behind
On the red-yellow flame they almost landed...
Both stretched...and ******.... and stretched,
As if they were doing the movements with us...
Suddenly, they were up and about...
One was raring to have fun, while 
The other could not focus on cleaning its tiny snout.
On a gay mood, they went on rolling within our big circle
Not minding they could be burned by the gentle flame. 

We, the quiet ones,with a bit of fear, 
Were just watching,
Captured by their honest fun, 
Exercises started fading...
Back and forth, the two creatures went romping
Hitting the feet of most everyone in the circle...

They were seizing their moment
Overflowing was their adrenaline  
In the open air, they were reckless, uncaring..

Under the morning sun, they were shining brightly
I had silently asked, at first,
"Who would need one black and one white mittens?
"Who would have thought, with their tiny heads hidden, 
They were two furry, purry playful kittens?


Sally
Copyright 2014
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'/( '|/\'
) '/( / '\'

A gloomy feeling accompanies the rain.
harvest season sometimes reaps none,
the sun is weary, it rushes to descend
humid air wanes as darkness spreads.

sparrows and yellow warblers retreat
how do they stay dry in their nests?
newly-woken bats emerge at sunset
amidst the rain...they try their best.

in the waning light, trees start to play,
their shadows graciously sway,
they dance by the firewall
telling their stories by nightfall.

through a worsening weather
sounds, loud and clear,
the roaring thunder
July's long sunset showers
pour, to cool the dimming atmosphere.

then, darkness claims all the glow.

thunder, lightning, the heavy downpour,
and the warm shelter of our home
are like heaven and hell,
situated side by side.

monsoon season has come without delay
the mischievous puppies dare play
under July's cold pouring rain,
their eyes invite me...but in vain.


sally b

©Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
   July 4, 2021

(Symphony)
      
The lamp glows brightly now
i sit by my  pine table
the old fan quivers as it blows...sending
sheets of paper........fluttering...
mind, pen, paper, and hand
work side by side without end,
to bring out unspoken feelings
especially on long starry nights,
like tonight.

towards the table, I now lean,
my shadow slowly rises
it shields me as i start.

while tapping pen on paper,
the strong scent of "Dama de noche,"
swims through the dark atmosphere, slowly
penetrating my nostrils.........i hear the song
of the leaves.............a calming rustle,
a soft  touching of each other,
paving the way, for
pleasant thoughts to start streaming,
gentle musings long held inside
and kept alive...all now come into being
this sleepless night
......a poem's birthing, is nigh......

chest rises and falls,
on a peaceful rhythm
the soft touching of the leaves
my own breathing,
the old fan blowing,
with
sheets of paper fluttering,
and on paper...........pen tapping,
all these sounds, create my poetry's
symphony.

at length, i get weary
from writing my poems of thee,
outside, i watch dark shadows of trees swaying
a soulful music comes to mind
the sweetest hymn
ever hummed to me,
reminding me, it is time
to "take five...."


Sally

Copyright 2013
rrab

Movements and images seen, are a part
They take places...they take forms in the mind
Whether aloud...or done in silence
Like, the crowing of the rooster
Announcing,
The breaking of a new morning
Or, telling of an hour, or two, passing;
A smile, a frown....a falling leaf
Thunder, in the summer, with, or without lightning
After the rains, a rainbow appearing
A whisper of a refreshing breeze, getting cooler
When sun is about to set,
The humming of ACs in offices
At the start of work hours,
Dying...as day's activities, end
Lights fade...streaks slide in, through the blinds
Then, come all sorts and shapes of shadows,
Streetlamps  guide, in the waning light
Heels and soles rush against paved roads
Sounds crescendo....as all hurry, to reach home
While creatures of the night
Heroes...or anti heroes
Move comfortably...in the dark.

All these...feed the muse in me
Writing unknown names that befit a person
Or a situation
My head spills out adjectives that wonderfully,
Sometimes, weirdly, describe my, and others' emotions
Verbs and adverbs, tell of solitary actions and moments,
Or, when i am with company...loved one(s), or otherwise
And while creating...building up metaphors and similes,
More questions arise:

How does it feel, to see your fellow human beings suffer,
How their human rights are being violated?
The little ones, the innocent ones, are now, the ones subjected
To hunger and torture.....To be with, or, without conveniences
Is just a drop of a worry, in a huge barrel of unsolvable problems
When will all these running, and fleeing...seeking refuge, end?
How is it, when you and your loved ones are escaping death?
For life....without freedom...is almost death itself.

There are times,
When, my river is flowing with green and blue waters
So full of varying experiences...the truths co existing with us
Here, in this universe, which, some people say, is a blend of
Paradise...and Hell

Problem is
There also come the times
When i am sailing along the River Lull...and
None of these parts and figures of speech
Exist......


Sally


Copyright May 14, 2016
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

She is a rose...
of course,
It is but natural
she was born
with those thorns...
but thorned or otherwise
she rises in splendour
beauteous in every colour...
her petals, oh so fragrant
When dried, they are more redolent
especially when kept in a sachet...

She brightens our days with
the many colors and tones of her poetry.
some may be sad  outbursts,
reactions that could have been stirred
by daily circumstances...
others are gentle reflections,
it doesn't matter...
they are roses arranged in a vase,
or scattered
among a garden of flowers...
she  showers us with a variety
of her chosen thoughts for the day...
it is always a mystery,
she keeps us in suspense!

Thorns are an accepted part of her body
even when she tries to spare her fingers,
she gets pricked, just the same,
she  deals with the wound
as she would always do,
just as tests of life, like thorns,
are part and parcel of our daily lives...
she knows very well those roads to be taken
and those to be avoided...

On a stressful or gloomy day
when our spirits are clouded,
almost sagging towards the ground,
when under the weather
when restless or anxious, or
when needing solace,
the rose-y colors of her poetry
do their best to comfort us
some days they are red
other times, pinkish
other days they are yellow
or immaculately white,
peach-y, at times, seeming delicious
one may be tempted to have a bite...

Don't know how or why...but we
must not question these miracles of God...
time comes for a rose to be dormant...
during these winter moments in her life
she  lives, she exists in silence...but
underneath, her mind is so alive....

From deep inside, she writes,
she hears, she reads,
gathering pictures, words,
anything important in sight
wherever, whatever the source
her cloth-bound journal is always ready
to  record her new-found discovery
all pages would soon be consumed...
a new one to take its place, is presumed.

Petals may fall or pinched one by one,
her stem, may be left to stand on the ground
but strength is like second skin to this rose
she has risen above past thorny episodes
surely, she will rise above future ones,
if they come...
these days, she is in  some kind
of a wonderful state...
i pray she will always be that way.

she is a sturdy wall to lean on,
she is indomitable...
her stem may sway,
she may bend, but
she rarely snaps
she is a rose...and
will always be
a rose...

Her name is KELLY ROSE...


Sally

Copyright 2014
Rosalia Rosario A, Bayan

<<<>>>

Better days have come and gone...
long time ago, man didn't need much...
life was simple...what he didn't know,
did not  affect him.
with his intelligence and understanding,
he was...is expected to respect and be kind
to his fellow humans...to the birds,
beasts, insects, rivers, oceans, trees,
mountains, rain forests, coral reefs...
God gave him all these and much more,
to use wisely and to preserve......but,

his curiosity and audacity intensified over
time....he has become materialistic, cruel
and greedy for power.......power, which is
obtained at all costs...

simple man of yore,
has become..........a predator;
and most of what surrounds him,
what sustains and nourishes him,
he has made...........his prey...
................................................
........­...................................
nature suffers.......humans suffer...
the whole world is hurting... from
wounds...........inflicted by man...



Sally

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
    June 26, 2019

Their eyes meet...
from two opposite corners of the room,
immediately recognizing,
but still familiarizing
eagerly staring
without faltering
each other' s thoughts, they are reading
yet, torn by hindrances existing...

But their hearts and minds overrule...
"forget the couples surrounding!
forget the music playing!
forget the shadows in the dance ongoing!"

Not a blink, not a wink...
eyes, seem deliberating,
steps, though measured, still move in haste,
walking,
the distance, lessening,
crossing,
nearing without knowing...
hands clasp
slowly,
tightly...
lovingly accepting...

Hearts are beating faster,
now communicating...
how could it be possible
to touch without touching?
thinking their lips, kissing,
to hug without embracing,
through their eyes,
caressing...

~~~it is time to escape~~~

Eyes still glued to each other,
face to face this moment,
here...now...
breath against breath,
lips...apart...begging...
both unaware
of their chests thumping...
arms seeking arms,
lips seeking lips...
this is the moment....
sweet, sweet surrender...
love, long withheld, to be released,
desire, has to be unleashed...


Two old lovers,
once lonely doves, now making love,
in their own passionate way,
making up for long lost times...

Two old lovers,
left with no choice but to
tread along life's beaten roads,
find comfort once again,
in each other' s warmth...
arms wouldn't dare let go,
never, never again....



Sally

Copyright 2014
Rosalia Rosario A Bayan

10W X 3


It wasn't the rooster's crowing, 
that woke me
this morning.

The neighbor's pet's
loud declaration
intensifies.
blatantly,  
it is moaning.

Nightcalls are
noisier tonight
mating's unfinished
dauntlessly, cat
keeps calling.



Sally


Copyright 2014
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

(10w x 4)

SOMEBODY
Died..gave us
Our first experience
Of Unconventional
Love...

He desires His Words, be spread
His Love....be Shared...

But love without deeds never works,
..............action.....
makes the difference...

SOMEBODY
Up there...wants us
To make a big
Difference...


Sally

Copyright April 11, 2017
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

I Don't Have The Heart

0
    /\    0
     /\   /\

A  shower cooled us last night,
this morning is kind of drought-y.
one of those dry spell days.
everything is awry, misplaced,
displaced, or has to be replaced,
all sorts of problems, deadlines overwhelm me.

There are no developments or
movements outside to notice...
everything is still,
the leaves are motionless,
not even a whiff of a wind
to make the chimes move.
no colorful flowers, not even a bird in sight.
i am thinking the trees are bare,
the front garden is a desert.

Nobody wants to sit on the steel-hot garden seats
the rocking chair is like a statue
everything else is frozen....
except the hot, steaming temperature today.
nobody wants to sit on the steel-hot garden seats,
because i told everyone to leave me alone for a while...
because i couldn't let them see i was going through hell.

How do i free myself from this band
that confines every movement
of body and mind...
from being riveted to the chair where i sit?

I crossed my leg, swung it up and down
somebody almost got kicked...suddenly
small hands wrap my shoulders...
a small head rests on my chest,
as one thin thigh slowly lands on my lap...
i feel a warm breath on my left cheek,
a soft, gentle voice comes through my left ear:
"Hug, mama Sal...."
I don't have the heart
to ignore, or refuse a request from an angel,
my youngest granddaughter, Elisha Mae.....
her innocent eyes almost level with mine...

I hugged her back, planted kisses on top of her head
hummed softly and cradled her...
this lasted longer than expected
i had thought she was already asleep...
but my angel's attention was caught
by her sisters' shrieking, out in the garden...
angel ******, in a jiffy, my lap was empty
she joined her sisters, shouted with them,
swimming, having fun in their big vinyl pool...

I watched them from where I sat,
experiencing a different kind of joy,
as i listened to their voices, to the
splashing of water and all their other noises.
they will all calm down in a while, i expect...

The heavy feeling comes back, i realize,
the weighty anvil still exists
dimming the clarity, the flow...
here i am now, still struggling
with thoughts and words
misplaced
displaced, and those that must be
replaced...
i see no progress, there are still deadlines,
i am nowhere near restful waters...

But, i eagerly wait for this day,
this weighty dry spell day to pass...
this time, without shame, i shall  ask
reassuring hugs from my angel,
like a child, i shall tell her how
her warm, refreshing hugs could heal me, and
how i dread the thought of falling, sinking deeper,
down the sleepy waters of this River Lull.

Sally

Copyright 2014
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

**
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~